Getting There - Getting To Area Attractions Is Half The Fun

August 04, 1992

The following is a list of major attractions in the Hampton Roads area and directions on how to get to those points. The number assigned to each attraction corresponds with the numbers and locations on the map on the opposite page. The starting point to get to each of these points of interests is on Mercury Boulevard where it meets Interstate 64 in Hampton.

1. Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. Colonists from Jamestown settled here in 1633 and called it Middle Plantation. In 1699 the area became the capital of Virginia and renamed Williamsburg. A living history program is provided in the restored buildings of the Colonial period. From I-64 West take Exit 238 and left on Route 143 where there are signs detailing the best way to enter restored area. 220-7643 or 220-7645.

2. Jamestown Island. Site of the first permanent English-speaking settlement in the New World. From I-64 West take Exit 242-A (Route 199) to Colonial Parkway exit. Take Colonial Parkway to Jamestown Island. 229-1733.

3. Jamestown Settlement. Re-creates Jamestown with a palisaded Fort, Indian village and replicas of the three ships that arrived in 1607. Indoor galleries and films. From I-64 West take Exit 242-A (Route 199) to Colonial Parkway exit. Take a right on Route 359 off Colonial Parkway to Jamestown Settlement. 229-1607.

4. Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown Visitor Center, Yorktown. Operated by the National Park Service, the battlefield is the site of the surrender of the British forces in 1781. The visitor center at the site provides in depth information about the Revolutionary War and offers tours to combat areas and historic houses. From I-64 West take Exit 242-B (Route 199) to Colonial Parkway exit. Follow the signs to Yorktown. 898-3400

5. Yorktown Victory Center, Yorktown. Story of the American Revolution is told through new exhibits, documentary film and re-created Continental Army camp. From I-64 West to Exit 247 to Yorktown. Go straight to Old Route 238. Victory Center will be on right. 887-1776.

6. On the Hill Cultural Arts Center, 121 Alexander Hamilton Blvd., Yorktown. Features the displays and sales of regional artists and craft persons, changing exhibitions in various media, educational programs and special hands-on artists demonstrations. On The Hill is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call for schedule of artists demonstrations. From I-64 West take Route 17 to Yorktown and right on Alexander Hamilton Boulevard (just past Colonial Parkway turnoff). 898-3076.

6. The Watermen's Museum, Water Street, Yorktown. Facility has artifacts, literature and photographs of watermen and their occupations as crabber, oystermen and fishermen. The museum represents watermen, past, present and future. From I-64 West take Exit 258 to Route 17 to last right on Yorktown waterfront. 887-2641.

7. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. The theme park, which has sections featuring German, France, Italy and England, attracts thousands of visitors each day. Many come just to take rides on the Loch Ness Monster, Roman Rapids, the Big Bad Wolf, the newest ride Drachen Fire or to see shows with top entertainers. From I-64 West take Exit 242-A and left on Route 199 and left on Route 60. 253-3350, recording.

8. Water Country USA, Williamsburg. This family water park has 40 acres of water rides, slides, pools, shops and eateries and the Aqua Theater. From I-64 West take Exit 242-B and right on Route 199. Park is on right. 229-9300.

9. Williamsburg Pottery Factory, Lightfoot. At the Pottery Factory one can buy anything from pots and pans to wedding finery and household goods. Shopping complex of 30 buildings is located approximately 5 miles west of Williamsburg. From I-64 West take Exit 234-A, onto Lightfoot Road, Pottery is on the right. 564-3326.

10. William and Mary Hall, The College of William and Mary Campus, Williamsburg. Provides an outlet for entertainment, ranging from plays to concerts, speeches and debates. From I-64 West take Exit 238, left onto old 143. Make right at second light, route 132; make right at next light, Bypass 60; make left at second light, Richmond Road; make right on Brooks Street. 221-4000.

11. Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. This facility is used for conferences, conventions, top entertainers, sporting events, arts and crafts shows, circuses, commencement exercises and a variety of other events. From Mercury Boulevard and I-64, travel south one block and right on Coliseum Drive. 838-5650.

12. Ogden Hall, Hampton University, Hampton. Facility is used mostly for students and community events. From I-64 East to Exit 267. University campus abuts interstate. 727-5359